10 Amazing Uses for Lemon Peels

Lemons are a favorite all over the world and an essential kitchen staple. Plus, they’re one of those foods that you can use every bit of – from the flesh to the peels.

Lemon peels contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals and fiber that provide a nutritional boost. In fact, compared to lemon juice, the peels have more vitamins C and A, beta-carotene, folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium, to name a few.

The peels are even refreshing and smell divine, and can add flavor and aroma to foods and drinks. They also offer skin as well as common household cleaning benefits.

Here are 10 amazing uses for lemon peels.

1. Improve Your Skin Health

Lemon peel has many skin benefits. The acid in it can help enhance the clarity, glow and softness of your skin.

You can rub fresh lemon peel all over your face. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do it 3 or 4 times a week to enjoy smooth and bright skin.

Dry your leftover lemon peels in the sun for a few days. Put the dried lemon peels in the blender into a coarse powder. Mix 1 cup of this crumbly mix with ½ cup of sugar and enough olive oil and honey to make a paste. Gently rub this homemade scrub on your damp skin for a few minutes, then leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off to get soft and glowing skin.

Grind dried lemon peel into a powder, then add a little water to make a paste. Apply it on the acne-affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat once daily.

Massage leftover lemon peels on your hands, elbows and heels to rejuvenate and lighten the skin as well as tighten the pores.

2. Make Lemon Peel Tea

Instead of throwing away the peel, you can use it to make tasty and healthy homemade tea.

3. Keep Your Home Ant-Free

The sweet, lemony smell deters ants. Also, the acidic property masks the scent trails that their ant friends follow when finding their way into your home.

Cut lemon peels into small pieces.

Place these pieces in windowsills, door entrances and any sorts of cracks to prevent pests and ants from getting in.

Replace the lemon peels every few days until you are satisfied with your efforts.

4. Make a DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Lemon peel can also be used as an all-purpose cleaner. Its acidic property makes it an awesome element for cutting through grease and disinfecting items.

It is particularly effective at cleaning glass windows, mirrors and showerheads, and other household surfaces.

Throw a few handfuls of washed, chopped lemon peels into a clean glass jar half way.

Pour white vinegar into the jar until the peels are completely covered.

Put the lid on and keep the jar on a sunny windowsill for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking it occasionally.

Pour the mixture through a mesh strainer or a cheesecloth.

Transfer the lemony liquid into a clean spray bottle.

Use your homemade lemon cleanser as you would use any other all-purpose cleaner. You can also dilute it with an equal amount of water and then use it.

Note: Do not use this cleaner on porous surfaces like granite and marble.

5. Make Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Whether you are preparing chicken wings, pasta, grilled veggies or roasted potatoes, you can enhance the taste with homemade lemon pepper seasoning.

The savory blend of salt, zesty lemon peel and freshly cracked black pepper is all that you need to take your culinary skills to new levels.

Preheat your oven on the lowest possible setting.

Using a zester or vegetable peeler, remove the yellow part from the outside of 4 or 5 lemons.

Coarsely grind ¼ cup of black peppercorns.

In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the crushed pepper and lemon zest.

Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.

Bake it on low until the mixture is dry.

Add ¼ cup of sea salt to the mixture.

Store it in an airtight container and use as needed.

This homemade seasoning will last for up to 6 months.

Even without adding the pepper, you can use lemon zest to flavor both sweet and savory dishes.

6. Brighten Yellow Nails and Teeth

No matter how beautifully you cut and shape your nails, if they have a yellowish tinge you’ll be reaching for some nail polish. But it’s important to give your nails a break from the polish, as they need air to breathe and remain healthy.

To brighten yellow nails, lemon peel is one of the best secrets. The acidic property of the peels helps reduce discoloration. In addition, it is effective in treating nail infections that may be causing the discoloration.

Soak your nails in warm water for 10 minutes.

Rub each of your nails with fresh lemon peels for 20 to 30 seconds.

Rinse your nails with water.

Use this treatment twice daily until your nails are no longer discolored.

You can also use fresh lemon peels to reduce the yellow tinge accumulated on your teeth. Its bleaching property helps reduce teeth staining, especially smoking stains.